Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, 1000-1050

This figure represents the Buddhist deity Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. The style in which this figure is executed allows us to date it to the 11th century, a period in Khmer art when feminine grace rather than hieratic rigidity was preferred. This figure displays several features that associates it with the Baphuon style, such as the treatment of the sampot can kpin (male garment) which is tied high in the back and low in the front, accentuating the navel. Also indicative of its Baphuon style is the butterfly shaped bow at the back of the sampot.